Paint Tutorial

Created February 2006

Start Paint:Start>Programs>Accessories>Paint

The Canvas

The area above is called the Canvas. This is your work space.

The Toolbar

This allows you to draw and color pictures and add text to your canvas.

Each button on the toolbar represent different modes of the program. This tutorial will explain all these buttons.

By default, the pencil mode is active, as you can see it indented on the left.

If you hover your mouse on the button, a screen tip will tell you what the button is labeled.

Color Palette

Left click chooses the foreground color, and right click selects the background color. To choose more colors, click on colors on the standard toolbar, then select edit colors.

The Line Tool and Line Width

This tool is used to draw a straight line. Select the line button from the toolbox. Then you can select the width you would like your line to be. You can also pick a line color from the color palette.

The Curve Line Tool

This is used to draw curved lines. You can also select a width and a line color with this tool. Start by drawing a straight line by dragging the mouse pointer. Click on the line and drag the mouse where you want one arc of the curve to be.

The Rectangle Tool

This tool is used to create a square or a rectangle. Click a color from the color palette for the shape's outline.

To draw a rectangle, drag the mouse pointer diagonally in the direction you want.

To draw a square press and hold down shift while dragging the mouse pointer.

To fill the shape with color, choose the color, then select the paint can from the toolbox and click inside the shape.

The Polygon Tool

This tool is used to draw multi-sided shapes. Click the polygon button in the tool box, and then click a color for the polygon outline. Hold down the shift key to keep your lines straight. To draw the polygon, drag the mouse pointer and click at each corner. Double-click when you are done.

The Ellipse Tool

This tool is used to draw an ellipse or circle. Click the ellipse button in the tool box. Click a color you want for the shapes outline. To fill the shape, choose a color from the paint can. Click inside the shaped you wish to fill with color. To draw an ellipse, drag the mouse pointer diagonally. To draw a perfect circle, hold down the Shift key while dragging the mouse.

The Rounded Rectangle Tool

This tool is used to create a round-cornered square or rectangle. Remember to select an outside line color. Draw the shape. Then choose a fill color and click on the paint bucket to fill in the shape.

The Free-Form Select Tool

This tool is used to select areas of an image. You may select part of a picture or an irregularly shaped area by selecting this button and then dragging the cursor around the area you want to select. To remove the selection box, click outside the box.

The Select Tool

This tool is used to select rectangular areas. Click in the button and then drag the cursor diagonally across the area. To remove the selection box, click outside the box.

The Eraser Tool

This button is used to erase parts or all of an image. After you select this button, you have a few sizes of erasers to choose from. Choose the size then drag the mouse pointer over the area you want to erase.

The Pick Color Tool

This tool is used to select a color you have previously used in your drawing. It allows you to quickly select a color.

For example, you have drawn a flower and you have blue as your sky background color. You can select the same color blue you used for the sky. To do this, click on the eyedropper button. Then on the blue you wish to use. Now you are telling paint that you wish to use the blue again.

The Magnifier Tool

This is used to enlarge any part of a picture. Click on the magnifier button and then click the "times" magnification from the bottom of the tool box. Drag the magnifier over the area to be enlarged.

The Paint Brush Tool

This is used to paint objects. To paint, click on the brush button, choose the size of brush, then pick a color for the color palette. Drag the mouse pointer over area to be painted.

The Airbrush Tool

This tool is used to spray paint an area. Use the left mouse button to spray with the foreground color and the right button to spray with the background color. Remember to choose the size of spray you want.

The Text Tool

This tool is used to add text. Click this button then drag the mouse pointer diagonally to create a box. You will then choose the font, size and style you want. Click inside the text frame to begin typing.

The Opaque Option Tool

This tool is used to specify that the selection will cover the existing picture, using the foreground and background colors of the selected areas. Notice the color of the square around the green box. It appears opaque.

The Transparent Option Tool

This is used to specify that the existing picture will show through your selection and that the background color of the selected area will not be displayed. Notice the color of the square around the green box. It appears transparent.